Welcome to StewardShip

Your free trial and membership will be finalized when you check out.

*Bordeaux Futures, Wine Clubs and Corporate Gifts are not eligible. Applies to standard shipping, which is quite speedy! Expedited shipping available at discounted rates for StewardShip members.Learn More

Winemaker's Notes

#96 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2010

Before fermentation the grapes macerate for 3 days at 10°C (50°F). The wine is elaborated with particular care in stainless steel vats larger than higher. The very large surface inside the vat and an accurate temperature control system (which allows us to vinify at a low temperature) gives a perfect extraction of colour and aromas. After the fermentation, the wine is kept in the vats for up to 3 weeks before it is heated and put into oak barrels. This improves the extraction thus giving the wine more structure and complexity. The malolactic fermentation is achieved partly in new barrels (50%). Traditional fining and no filtration.

Critical Acclaim

WS90

Wine Spectator - "Ripe but restrained, with nicely sinewy embedded, structure carrying solid black currant, black cherry and fig fruit, followed by graphite and sweet earth on the finish. Drink now through 2011."

Château Rollan de By Winery

In 1989, at the beginning of this challenge, Rollan de By only had a surface area of two hectares. Today, after the arrival of Haut Condissas, Tour Seran and La Clare, the estates account for a total of more than 85 hectares under production. Always trained with the greatest care, the vineyard is in an irreproachable state. As soon as he arrived, Jean Guyon initiated a rationalised cultivation policy. He respects the environment and returns to a traditional vine growing while taking the advantage of new technologies. In order to recover a natural ecosystem, the vines are replanted and active natural fertilizers are chosen. Grassing and regular soil analyses are carried out in order to compensate for eventual deficiencies. Green harvest is practised on the most productive plots to control the yield and obtain an optimal maturity. The harvest marks a decisive period for Rollan de By . The search for phenolic maturity is the watchword, the quantity of sugar alone is not a sufficient criteria to appreciate the maturity of the grape. Hand picking, collecting in small crates, strict sorting at the cellar and de-stemming : everything is done to protect the berries of Rollan de By until they reach the vat.
View all Château Rollan de By Wines

About Medoc

Médoc is the region that encompasses the smaller appellations of Pauillac, Margaux, St.-Estèphe & St.-Julien. As a larger appellation, it contains many chateaux that are the same style of the smaller appellations, but at a smaller price. There are two regions of the Médoc – the Bas Médoc (or lower-Médoc) and the Haut Médoc (or upper-Médoc) – so given the names as the Bas Médoc is lower elevation (yet northern) and the Haut Médoc is higher elevation (but south of Bas Médoc). Most quality wines come from the Haut Médoc, although many wines carry just the appellation Médoc.

Notable Facts

Situated in the Haut-Médoc, west of the river are the communes Listrac & Moulis. Between these two appellations and the river lie many Médoc chateaux producing delicious, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, often at a good value. Wines of the Médoc and Haut-Médoc appellation are less expensive, yet delicious, ways to experience the left bank of Bordeaux. Most are not as complex or age-worthy as those wines from the smaller communes along the riverbank, but many are great everyday wines, particularly suited for enjoying with food.

About France - Other regions

When it comes to wine, France is a classic. Classic blends, grapes and styles began in the country and they still remain. Think about it - people ask for a Burgundian style Pinot Noir, they refer to wines as Bordeaux or Rhone blends - Champagne even had to pass a law to stop international wineries from putting their region on the label of all sparkling wine.

The top regions of France are: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire, Rhone. And these regions are so diverse! It makes sense that wine regions throughout the world try to emulate their style. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Syrah are no longer French varieties, but international varieties. They may not be the leader of cutting edge technology or value-priced wines, but there is no doubt that they are still producing wines of great quality and diversity.

The robe is golden yellow in color with an orange tinge. Initially floral and fine, the nose becomes a blend
of apricot, peach, mango, cinnamon, and citrus notes. The attack is fresh and elegant, and the finish is fine and ...

Alcohol By Volume Guide

Most wine ranges from 10-16% alcohol by volume. Some varietals tend to have higher (for example Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon) or lower alcohol levels (Pinot Noir and many white varietals), but there is always some variation from producer to producer. Some wine falls outside of this range, for instance Port weighs in closer to 20%, while Muscat and Riesling are usually a bit below 10%.

Wine Style Guide

Light & Fruity

Red wines that are more fruit-forward and lighter in tannin and body.

Smooth & Supple

Medium bodied reds that go down easy, with smooth tannins and supple fruit.